Los Angeles Dodgers: Rich Hill Could Be a Trade Target
By Tj Porreca
The Los Angeles Dodgers’ rotation has been marred by injuries this season. As the trade deadline nears, the Dodgers could look to add a starting pitcher.
To say the Los Angeles Dodgers have been bit by the injury bug in 2016 would be an understatement. The Dodgers are without their ace, Clayton Kershaw, which would be bad enough on its own. However, the Dodgers also have Brett Anderson and Alex Wood currently on the disabled list as well.
The Dodgers acquired starter Bud Norris in a reactionary move when Kershaw was placed on the disabled list, but Los Angeles may not be done scouring the market for starting pitching. There are ace-type pitchers, such as Julio Teheran and Sonny Gray, who may or may not be available, and then there is Rich Hill, who the Oakland Athletics are very much expected to trade.
Jon Heyman of Today’s Knuckleball chose Hill as his selection for the “Best starting pitcher who will be dealt” at this year’s deadline. This is a safe selection, to say the least. Oakland trading Hill makes a ton of sense, considering all of the circumstances. Entering Thursday, the A’s sit at 36-49, in fourth place in the AL West, and 16.5 games back of the division-leading Texas Rangers. With Oakland in this position, no one would blame them for being sellers.
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From Oakland’s perspective, Hill’s age, 36, and his contract, a one-year deal for the 2016 season worth $6 million, make him very tradable. The A’s may be mulling whether or not to trade Sonny Gray or Josh Reddick this season, but Hill seems likely to be dealt. He’s surpassed even the highest of expectations this season, as he is currently 8-3 with a 2.31 ERA. The only hiccup in Hill’s season thus far has been a groin injury, but he has since overcome it.
In Hill’s first start back for Oakland, he threw 6 innings against the Pittsburgh Pirates, giving up two runs and two walks, while striking out six. Hill finished the game with a no-decision.
Hill would likely be an ideal addition for the Dodgers, who Heyman says, “Like [Hill] and could go for him.” Hill’s comeback story is well-known, and joining the Dodgers may give him a chance to pitch in the playoffs. The San Francisco Giants currently lead the NL West at 54-33, which is the best record in all of baseball entering Thursday. While it’s still a bit early for playoff talk, the Dodgers lead the NL Wildcard at this point.
Hill’s signing has certainly paid off for the Athletics, but perhaps the Dodgers could have the benefit of acquiring Hill to slot into the rotation down the stretch. When he is healthy, Hill has been terrific. He has a WHiP of 1.14 and a FIP of 2.72 on the season. Trading Hill would allow the A’s to get a prospect or two in return, and the Dodgers have a rather deep farm system.
At this point, Hill makes a lot of sense for the Dodgers. Unfortunately, they’ve endured many injuries, and losing Kershaw stings the most. But Hill would provide a steady presence in the rotation, and if he pitches for a new team as he has with Oakland, a team acquiring Hill would be overjoyed.